Grey’s Anatomy Review: Tradition (Season 17 Episode 15)

By trying to tackle too much at once, Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 Episode 15, “Tradition,” falters on two major storylines.

“Tradition” is Jackson Avery’s big farewell episode, and but because it also focuses on Meredith’s recovery, neither plot point gets the attention it deserves.

There’s plenty else going on in the episode too, and that is of course, typical of Grey’s Anatomy and most other shows like it. But Jackson’s exit winds up being lackluster, as does Meredith’s return home.

That said, it’s all certainly still emotional. Jackson gives the news to Bailey, and then focuses on telling others he’s close to. I expected a little more out of his interaction with Jo, though it’s still a cute scene. And, you know, at least Jackson tells her in person instead of with a letter…  

The realization Bailey has that Avery will now be her and Richard’s boss is a funny moment, and it hearkens back to the kind of lighter tone Grey’s used to have.

What Jackson tells Bailey and Richard about the impact they’ve had on him — and ultimately on his decision to make this move — is powerful. Bailey and Richard have been the leaders all along, and Jackson says they’ve had an impact on him in a way his own father couldn’t.

While his father showed him the kind of man he didn’t want to be, Richard and Bailey showed him who he does want to be.

It’s the scene between Jackson and Meredith that winds up being the most meaningful, and that does get the attention it deserves. There’s also another realization as to what Jackson’s departure means — Meredith truly is the last one left standing now from her class. After 17 years, it’s not totally surprising, but it does feel quite strange. 

We’re also treated to flashbacks that remind us of Jackson’s journey, but they don’t pack quite the emotional punch they could if they were given just a little more attention.

And sure, Jackson got a big episode with Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 Episode 14, “Look Up Child,” which really serves as his farewell more than this episode does, but this is a significant character exit and it just falls flat.

By the same token, Meredith’s great progress doesn’t get the attention it deserves either. She’s up and about, her lung capacity is great, apparently, and she’s well enough to finally go home. She’s also catching up on everything she’s missed.

Richard and Bailey are particularly hesitant to fill her in on the news about DeLuca, and you might think Meredith would have asked to see him by now. But the fact is, she already knows.

It’s probably my favorite moment from the episode. It connects all of those beach scenes to real life, maybe offering a connection to the spiritual more than any other near-death experience we’ve seen Meredith have over the years.

She doesn’t ask about DeLuca because she already knows. And she knows he’s fine. She knows he’s with his mother.

Those beach scenes, though they truly did go on a little too long, are what have made this season special, so getting that confirmation, if you will, is that much more significant.

But in Meredith’s light and positivity, she makes a decision that feels more selfish than anything else.

She and Jackson talk about what’s referred to as the “clap out.” She knows it’s coming and wants no part of it, feeling unworthy, guilty, etc. etc. She’s aware of her privilege in having good health care, and Meredith has never been one to want that kind of fanfare to begin with.

It’s plenty fitting for her character to want to duck out of the big ceremonious exit altogether, but it just comes across as thoughtless. And that’s after Jackson points out how much it would mean to everyone to be able to do that for her.

They aren’t just celebrating Meredith, after all. It’s hope, and it’s the doctors who worked hard to save her. Why rob them of that?

As fitting as it is, especially for the Meredith she was years ago, perhaps, I’m not sure I buy that the Meredith we know now would make that decision. Still, it’s endearing to see Jackson slip her out, running with her wheelchair in the parking lot and sneaking her home. 

The disappointment of not seeing that clap out is a real punch to the gut, though. For everyone at the hospital, and really, for the viewers too.   

Seeing Meredith reunite with her children is powerful, and the surprise of that does offer quite a payoff. Meredith walks into a messy house that Amelia hasn’t had a chance to get under control, and the signs aren’t quite ready yet.

She gets a chance to see a more realistic picture of what it’s all been like in her absence, and I can only hope for more bonding between Meredith and Amelia because of it.

Speaking of which, Link mistakenly thinks he’s going to be moving out of that house sometime soon. Owen knows better, and Winston already does too.

That house has been central from the beginning of the series, and the fact that it’s remained that way is almost foundational to the show as a whole. So I love this conversation, and I’m excited to see that dynamic continue in a new way.

The episode ends with a couple of other changes. For one, Tom requests a late-night meeting in a parking lot with Jackson, where he pleads to be able to help him. It’s truly a great moment for Tom, who’s been a fascinating character from the start.

What he’s been through this season and everything he’s seen leads him to want to be better and do better, inspired not only by Jackson, but I think also by Jo, who he learns has thrown caution to the wind and changed specialties in order to have some joy.

Other thoughts:

• Owen and Teddy! We’re going to need to see them have a bigger conversation too, but seeing the two of them reunite is deeply satisfying.
• The key patients on this episode offer insight into how indigenous people have had to cope with pandemic, and not much is more striking than hearing that their tribe received bodybags in lieu of proper PPE. 
• It’s sweet that Levi invites Helm to move in with him and Jo, and I hope we see more attention on Helm in coming episodes. I’m only mildly concerned about the size of that apartment.

What did you think of this episode of Grey’s Anatomy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.

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